STRESS SYMPTOMS – DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANY?

Stress is a part of everyday life and particularly prevalent in modern society. There are a range of signs and symptoms associated with stress. When considering stress management and stress relief techniques it is important to begin by identifying the signs and symptoms of your own stress experience.

DEFINITION OF A STRESS SYMPTOM

But what actually is a symptom?

A simple definition of a symptom is: “anything that is taken as an indication that something is wrong” (Collins Essential English Dictionary, 2006). These can be taken as a sign, mark or warning that something is wrong for you. These symptoms, particularly more severe stress symptoms are the manifestations and evidence that things need to change in your life.

STRESS SYMPTOMS SHOULD NOT BE SEEN IN ISOLATION

It is important when considering how to deal with stress and manage stress, that a symptom should not be considered in isolation. Stress signs and symptoms are characteristically experienced and clustered together. These stress symptoms often overlap and are interrelated.

TYPES OF STRESS SYMPTOMS

All these demands, pressures and strains upon you are manifested in the symptoms of stress. These can involve physiological or physical, emotional, mental or psychological and behavioral or relational symptoms.

Do you recognize any of these stress symptoms?

PHYSICAL STRESS SYMPTOMS

Chest pains

Neck and back pain

Upset stomach

Intolerance to noise

Muscle tension

Dizziness

Rashes and skin disorders

Breathing difficulties

Butterflies in the stomach

Chronic constipation

Nervous diarrhoea

Irritable bowel syndrome

Fatigue symptoms

Headache symptoms

Heart palpitations

Insomnia

Nausea symptoms

Trembling

Sweating

Weight gain

Weight loss

Eating disorders

High blood pressure symptoms

Low blood pressure symptom

Heartburn

Stress asthma

Sweating palms or hands

Cold feet and hands

Periodontal disease

Increased colds, flu and infections

Immune system imbalance

Reproductive problems

Many of physical symptoms are often the most obvious signs. However, if these symptoms are left unchecked, without proper medical and stress management treatment then they can become physically debilitating.

MENTAL STRESS SYMPTOMS

Anxiety

Inability to concentrate

Increased memory loss

Mind confusion

Loss of sense of humor

Racing mind

EMOTIONAL STRESS SYMPTOMS

Anxiety

Fearfulness

Apprehensiveness

Depression

Hopelessness

Pessimism

Resentment

Frustration

Irritability

Anger

Powerlessness

Restlessness

These types of symptoms are often hidden and not as obvious as the physical ones. Stress relief involving relaxation techniques and other stress management strategies are important in coping with these mental and emotional symptoms. However, if not dealt with and appropriate treatment received, then they can become progressively worse and cause chronic problems.

BEHAVIORAL OR RELATIONAL STRESS SYMPTOMS

Crying

Increased arguments

Isolating yourself from others

Hitting

Smoking

Drinking alcohol excessively

Conflict with others

Frequent job changes

Road rage

Swearing

Nervous habits (nail biting, etc)

Throwing things

Yelling

These behavioral symptoms are most often the outward expression of stress. Underneath many of these stressful behaviors are underlying emotional and mental issues. Reducing stress requires dealing with these underlying mental and emotional stressors in your life.

Recognizing stress signs and symptoms are an important start in the process of effectively dealing with stress in your life.

FROM THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION FOR STRESS

These stress related symptoms are compiled for you by the Association of the Global Organization for Stress. We invite you to become a member. Membership is free and you will have access to regular ideas and strategies on dealing with stress related issues…

Please Note: Stress can result in severe health related issues. This stress related information is provided as guidance only and should not be considered as a form of therapy or professional advice. If expert assistance is needed, then a suitably competent health professional should be consulted in relation to your stress.